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Miami Heat: Whiteside leads team in win against New York Knicks

MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 24: Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Miami Heat reacts against the New York Knicks during the first half at American Airlines Arena on October 24, 2018 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 24: Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Miami Heat reacts against the New York Knicks during the first half at American Airlines Arena on October 24, 2018 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

After three very close games to start the season, the Miami Heat beat the Knicks 110-87, to improve to 2-2.

While the final score clearly constitues the status of a blow out win by the Miami Heat, the team lead just 47-45 at the half.

Despite being listed as active, Justise Winslow did not end up playing due to hamstring soreness before the game.

It would be nothing new to say that the Heat’s worst quarter is always the third, but tonight was an exception, as the Heat started the second half on an 18-2 run.

They finished that quarter with 45 points including, 8 3-pointers.

All five starters — Goran Dragic, Josh Richardson, Rodney McGruder, Kelly Olynyk and Hassan Whiteside — finished in double-digits.

Whiteside led the team with 22 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks.

From downtown

The Heat shot well from the 3-point line, which helped to push their lead in the second half. The team made 13 3’s, shooting 44.8 percent from behind the arc.

Richardson led the Heat, making 5-of-6, while McGruder followed hitting all three of his attempts.

As the NBA shifts to a positionless league and relies on spreading the floor to shoot more 3’s, it is encouraging for fans to see nights like this.

The Heat’s young core not only led the team in scoring, but also successfully did the things that make teams good in this league in 2018; iincluding moving the ball and getting those looks from 3-point range.

Transitions

The Heat took advantage of the Knicks every opportunity they could in the second half, which included moving the ball as much as they could, especially in transition.

Example A: Whiteside blocks a shot and then as Dragic has the ball out on the perimeter, he cuts down the lane and gets passed the ball to score.

Wide-open.

Example B: Dwyane Wade steals the ball and throws it to Bam Adebayo up the court, for an easy basket.

These are just two examples, but the point is that the Heat are finally putting themselves in the position to not have to go down to the final seconds to win a game.

Who knows, maybe the traditionally terrible third quarter will be gone once and for all this season?

The Miami Heat face off against the Portland Trailblazers on Saturday, October 27, at 8 PM ET.

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